73716 - Technology of Materials and Applied Chemistry

Learning outcomes

Knowledge of the main types of materials involved in the building process and retrofitting/restoration operations. Knowldege of the main materials features from the chemical, physical,mechanical and durability point of view.

Course contents

Construction materials for architecture and building engineering: structural and functional materials. Classification, historical and technological development of building materials.

Metals: cast irons and steels. Raw materials and technlogy. Low carbon steels, high strength low alloys steels and stainless steels. Thermal treatments (annealing, quenching, Bain diagram, etc.) and weldability of low carbon steel. Aluminium and copper alloys for building applications: main characteristics. Corrosion: morphology, mechanisms and aggressive environmnets for steels.

Ceramic materials and glass: raw materials, technology, physical–mechanical properties and performances in architecture and building engineering.

Binders for building and restorations: plaster, lime, hydraulic lime and cement. Traditional and special mortar. Cement technology and setting reactions, cements according to European standard EN 197/1. Traditional and special concrete according to EN 206-1. Technology, mix-design, properties and casting of ready mix concrete. Concrete properties at the fresh and hardened state. Concrete durability: environmental exposure classes. Self-compacting-concrete and high stength concrete.

Thermoplastic and thermoset polymers: physical–mechanical properties and performances for building engineering applications.

Main mechanisms of degradation and corrosion of building materials; protection systems. General criteria for building materials selection. Recycling of construction and demolition waste, sustainability of building materials.

Readings/Bibliography

N. Jackson (Ed.) Civil Engineering Materials. Macmillan Press London 1983

M. Illston (Ed.) Construction Materials. E & F Spoon London 1994

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons and Lab classes.

Assessment methods

Final examination is an oral test which aims to evaluate the knowledge on:

- physical-microstructural properties of the investigated building materials;

- mechanical characteristics and durability properties of the investigated building materials;

- main requirements of building materials in view of their applications and relevant standards.

The final grade is awarded on the basis of demonstrating an organic understanding of the subject, an ability for critical application, and a clear and concise presentation of the contents.

Teaching tools

Lab classes will be performed in cement and concrete materials for  a better understanding of their practical use.

Office hours

See the website of Maria Bignozzi